Tsitsikamma: Park gatekeepers suspects in fraud
Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 4:43 pm
Park gatekeepers suspects in fraud
20 May 2013
John Harvey
ALLEGATIONS that four gate guards at the Tsitsikamma National Park have pocketed "a substantial amount" of the park's takings are being investigated by SANParks.
More than R1-million was allegedly stolen in the scam, triggered by some guards being seen driving around in luxury four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Sources close to the park say the guards – three men and a woman – had already been fired. However, SANParks media events and stakeholder relations manager Reynold Thakhuli would only confirm investigations were under way.
"We can confirm that there have been some transactions that could not be accounted for.
"The matter is sub judice as internal processes are under way.
"As soon as more information is available, we will make a statement," Thakhuli said.
But, according to sources close to the park, the money allegedly stolen in the last year could total more than R1-million.
Four people allegedly kept the money paid by every third or fourth visitor, one source said.
"Amounts vary but it is a substantial amount and we have even heard a figure of R1.3-million talked about," one source said.
"Incredibly, they were allegedly keeping their own receipt book and were eventually caught out when someone discovered it lying around." According to tariffs, entrance to the Tsitsikamma National Park is R34 an adult and R17 a child for South African citizens, and R68 an adult and R34 a child for Southern African Development Community nationals. Overseas visitors pay a standard conservation fee of R120 an adult and R60 a child per day.
The sources said they had found it strange seeing the gatekeepers driving around in Land Rover Freelanders. These cost more than R430000 each.
20 May 2013
John Harvey
ALLEGATIONS that four gate guards at the Tsitsikamma National Park have pocketed "a substantial amount" of the park's takings are being investigated by SANParks.
More than R1-million was allegedly stolen in the scam, triggered by some guards being seen driving around in luxury four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Sources close to the park say the guards – three men and a woman – had already been fired. However, SANParks media events and stakeholder relations manager Reynold Thakhuli would only confirm investigations were under way.
"We can confirm that there have been some transactions that could not be accounted for.
"The matter is sub judice as internal processes are under way.
"As soon as more information is available, we will make a statement," Thakhuli said.
But, according to sources close to the park, the money allegedly stolen in the last year could total more than R1-million.
Four people allegedly kept the money paid by every third or fourth visitor, one source said.
"Amounts vary but it is a substantial amount and we have even heard a figure of R1.3-million talked about," one source said.
"Incredibly, they were allegedly keeping their own receipt book and were eventually caught out when someone discovered it lying around." According to tariffs, entrance to the Tsitsikamma National Park is R34 an adult and R17 a child for South African citizens, and R68 an adult and R34 a child for Southern African Development Community nationals. Overseas visitors pay a standard conservation fee of R120 an adult and R60 a child per day.
The sources said they had found it strange seeing the gatekeepers driving around in Land Rover Freelanders. These cost more than R430000 each.
If you know about someone steeling, are you not obliged to report it to the police? If not, you are an accomplice, if I don't error 
and some are becoming masters at it 